Close your eyes and picture your happy place.
Imagine – you’re midway through your daily commute home, finally winding up to wind down after a long day at work. Or maybe you’re strolling through your neighborhood, getting your steps in while simultaneously taking in the familiar sights and sounds of the world around you. Or perhaps instead you’re lying on a beach, sun in your eyes, with absolutely nothing on your mind except how you’re going to spend the rest of your well-earned vacation.
Beautiful, right?
(Image credit: Giphy)
Sure, these experiences are incredible all by themselves – but you know what could make them even better? Listening to an awesome podcast!
By now, you’re likely well aware that podcasts have become a rapidly growing method of media consumption, with an estimated 1 in 3 U.S. adults regularly listening to at least one podcast per month. These days, there’s seemingly a podcast for everyone – from lovers of bugs and insects, to folks who crave strange stories and mysterious mysteries, and even dentistry professionals! And, of course, there are plenty of podcasts for educators and game-based learning professionals – which brings us to the topic of today’s blog!
Check out the below roundup of ten high-quality EdTech and games for learning podcasts, then let us know on Twitter or Facebook if we missed any of your favorites!
The EdSurge Podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of education. Hosted by EdSurge senior editor Jeffery R. Young and other reporters, this weekly podcast features interviews with high-profile figures such as Sal Khan (Founder, Khan Academy), John Couch (Former VP of Education, Apple), and Angela Duckworth (Author, Grit) – legends in the EdTech space. If you’re seeking insightful discussion and commentary on the intersection of technology and education, I’ve got good news: you’ve got 300+ episodes of the EdSurge Podcast waiting for you right now.
A border-defying podcast hosted by education experts Mike Washburn and Glen Irvin (hailing from Canada and the United States, respectively), OnEducation is a fantastic source for candid, weekly conversations on all things education – EdTech, policy, classroom management, grading, oh my! Even cooler – Mike and Glen often travel to EdTech events like ISTE and Serious Play to provide their listeners with exclusive interviews and insights into what’s what at these cutting-edge conferences.
We have a special place in our hearts for the Filament Games Podcast…after all, it’s our baby! Three seasons deep, each episode of the FGP stars co-hosts Brandon Pittser and Dan Norton (alongside a new guest each episode), and features wholesome discussion of trending EdTech and game-based learning news, what’s new at Filament Games, and other topics relevant to the world of games and AR/VR for learning.
Created by author and psychology Ph.D. Jamie Madigan, The Psychology of Video Games is a research-focused podcast that explores the intertwined relationship between the field of psychology and digital gaming. Straddling the line between entertainment and scholarship, past podcast episodes have examined topics like the psychology underlying “good” game design, the impact of loot boxes and gambling on a player’s psyche, as well as the neuroscience behind the field we all know and love: game-based learning.
Next up, the popular House of #EdTech Podcast hosted by tech-savvy educator Christopher J. Nesi. Designed to offer listeners an inside look at the many ways that technology is impacting education today (and beyond!), the podcast features interviews with EdTech industry experts, reflections and insights from real-world educators, and helpful resources for folks seeking extra support when integrating new tech into their classrooms.
Hosted by educator and influencer Michael Matera, WellPlayed is a weekly podcast all about game-based learning, gamification, and game-inspired course design. Each week, Michael invites a new expert guest to share their passion for playful learning with podcast listeners, discussing topics like using games in virtual classrooms, games as a tool for collaboration, and tips and tricks for getting started with game-based learning in your classroom.
Though pretty much all other podcasts on our list deal with digital games, we’d be remiss not to highlight the educational value of board games – which is the main focus of the aptly named Board Gaming with Education podcast! Hosted by Dustin Staats and Rich Hill, each week the show invites a new guest to explore aspects of how board gaming can be used as a tool to enhance education and learning – with nearly 100 episodes released to date.
Next on our list is the EdTech Podcast, hosted by former Bett head of content Sophie Bailey. With a mission to help facilitate dialogue between ‘ed’ and ‘tech’ through storytelling, the podcast invites guests from education leaders from around the world for candid interviews – including many episodes on the intersection of games and learning. For a preview of the types of episodes and guests featured, be sure to visit the podcast’s official website.
Professor Game Podcast – hosted by gamification expert and IE University instructor Rob Alvarez Bucholska – is a weekly podcast that features interviews with successful practitioners of game-based learning, gamification, and game thinking. Last year, Filament’s Dan Norton stopped by the podcast as a guest for an episode all about designing systems games – to listen and view 100+ more episodes, check out the podcast’s official website.
Rounding out today’s list is one of our favorite ISTE Podcasts – Your EdTech Questions! Hosted by educators Zac Chase and Amal Giknis, each episode features a lively discussion with an ISTE expert focused around a single issue – from the do’s of digital citizenship, to device distraction in the classroom, how teachers in under-resourced schools can innovate with EdTech, and more.
We’ve got plenty more game-based learning content on our blog – kick off your journey in style with these recommended articles!
10 Brilliant Game-Based Learning TED Talks
Inspiring Educators in Game-Based Learning
How to Teach with Games [Free eBook!]